Exploring organisational attributes affecting the innovativeness of UK SMEs

Abstract

Purpose

The UK construction sector of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has received criticism for a perceived lack of desire to innovate. Previous research has identified attributes such as company size and levels of research and development expenditure as being significant and causal variables determining this response. The purpose of this study was to further explore organisational attributes that determine innovation likeliness within construction SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

Web-based questionnaires were administered to 101 construction professionals. Responses from large companies and SMEs were compared, and data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

Findings

The findings indicate that SMEs do implement a substantial amount of innovation to improve profitability. Both organisational maturity and in-house design capability were found to impact SME innovativeness.

Originality/value

The study provides further evidence that the UK construction SME sector is evolving away from traditional to more innovative practices.

Citation

Gledson, B.J. and Phoenix, C. (2017), "Exploring organisational attributes affecting the innovativeness of UK SMEs", Construction Innovation, Vol. 17 No. 2, pp. 224-243. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-11-2015-0065